I would also check the cartridge setup. First- how old is it and what sort of cartridge. If a moving magnet, its common to see the cantilever suspension perish after about 3-4 years. After this time the cartridge can take on either a stringent sound (suspension hardened) or a muddy sound (suspension is melting). It does not matter how long you've used it- it matters how old it is and what sort of environment its in- for example the suspension is more likely to melt if tobacco smoke is common in the environment.
If the cartridge is newer it might simply be how the cartridge is aligned in the arm, and you might also check the loading of the cartridge (if the preamp is so equipped).
If the cartridge is newer it might simply be how the cartridge is aligned in the arm, and you might also check the loading of the cartridge (if the preamp is so equipped).